SVEN-Goran Eriksson has received a boost after Rio Ferdinand insisted he has no axe to grind with the England boss.

Eriksson was recently lured into making indiscreet comments about several high-profile members of his squad, including Ferdinand.

Although complementing the Manchester United defender's ability, Eriksson did also say that Ferdinand was "lazy sometimes".

However, Ferdinand revealed the Swede has already spoken to him about the incident and it would seem there are no hard feelings.

"I certainly don't bear any grudges," Ferdinand said. "I spoke to Sven and I respect him for calling me, but knowing him as I do, I would have expected him to do that.

"There's no problem between us. He supported me during my ban for missing a drug test and has always played fair with me in the past. I'm not going to discuss what was said between us and I won't dwell on it. It's happened and that's it."

Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is another who is now prepared to forgive and forget after speaking to Eriksson.

Earlier this week, O'Leary hit out at the England boss for suggesting he would be prepared to take over at Villa Park once the World Cup is over.

However, O'Leary said: "The matter's over for me. I've spoken to Sven and had a good chat with Sven, and what he told me I accept. I've got good friends at the FA as well, people that I've spoken to, and the matter is over and done with now.

"All I want people to do, like myself, is let's move on and let's try and help England win the World Cup."